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Africa's Atlantic Islands of Empire

Atlantic Islands: Canary Islands & Madeira 8 Day Expedition Cruise

V1123050607
Dates
05/06/23 - 05/13/23
Ship
SH Vega
Duration
7 Nights
Guests
2 Guest
Price From
$ 3,847
Per Person
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Trip Details

Explore Spain and Portugal’s Atlantic islands off the coast of Western Africa, once a stop-off for pirates and explorers sailing to the New World, on our 7-night Atlantic Islands - Canary Islands & Madeira cruise. Board our boutique expedition ship and experience the islands’ year-round warm temperatures thanks to the trade winds that create a subtropical climate. You will discover the great natural treasures of these exotic islands, from the beauty of Madeira’s botanical gardens to Porto Santo’s miles of sandy beaches and the moonlike landscapes of Tenerife and Lanzarote’s volcanic parks. And thanks to their unique climate and terrain, these islands lend themselves to producing great wines with different characteristics. Following in the footsteps of great explorers, your cruise ends in Lisbon, Portugal’s capital and one of the world’s oldest cities.

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Trip Highlights
See the spot where Nelson lost his arm at the Battle of Santa Cruz on Tenerife
Watch surfers, windsurfers and kitesurfers take to the waves in Fuerteventura
Enjoy the volcanic scenery of Lanzarote’s Fire Mountain
Marvel at the diversity of flora on the Garden Island of Madeira
Swim from one of Europe's most stunning beaches on Porto Santo, the ‘golden island’
Itinerary Map
Itinerary
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife Island, Canary islands Day 1

Discover the island that beguiled Agatha Christie when she arrived in 1927 and wander the old town of Santa Cruz, Tenerife’s capital. Head inland and visit the world’s third largest volcano, the other-worldly 3,700 m Mount Teide, surrounded by desert with a wild beauty. The volcanic slopes make excellent terroir for quality wines. Visit the spot where Nelson lost his arm in 1797 in the world’s first city laid out in a grid, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, with charming 16th-century pastel mansions and wooden balconies.

Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura Island Day 2

Fuerteventura, the oldest Canary Island, has reputedly some of the best beaches in the Canaries with ideal conditions for watersports. The miles of white and golden sand beaches that envelope the coast are interrupted only by cliffs and sheltered coves. Year-round sunshine and cooling breezes make it ideal for beach lovers while the winds and waves attract surfers, windsurfers and kitesurfers. Take in the Martian-like environment by climbing up to the Mirador Astronómico de Sicasumbre viewpoint.

Arrecife, Lanzarote Island Day 3

Arrecife, Lanzarote’s capital, is a bustling city. Walk to Charco San Gines, a natural seawater lagoon in an area chock full of old houses and charming fishing boats or to the 16th-century stone fortress, Castillo de San Gabriel, now a museum. Beach days are always welcome so take a dip in the sea at Puerto del Carmen, and enjoy tapas at a local beach bar - or chiringuito. For a glimpse of Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape, head to Timanfaya National Park to see the Fire Mountains and ride to the crater on the back of a camel.

Desertas Islands Day 4

Known as the 'Galapagos of Europe', Madeira's Desertas Islands are a haven for rare and endangered wildlife. The seas here are home to many unusual species, including the barred hogfish, Mediterranean slipper lobster and several turtle species. However, the most famous residents are the Mediterranean monk seals, which can grow up to three metres in length and 300kg in weight. There are only a few hundred of these seals left in the world, and the Desertas Islands provide sanctuary for the colony of 25 that live here.

Funchal, Madeira Island Day 5

The capital of Madeira, Funchal is renowned the world over for its abundant gardens with subtropical plants, but there’s more to discover on the ‘Garden Island,’ including the famous Madeira wine cellars and the colourful Old Town street of Rua de Santa Maria with 200 brightly painted doors. Thrillseekers should take the cable car up to Monte, then ride down the steep streets steered by a pair of straw-boatered drivers. Or explore out of town, through villages and past levades, centuries-old water channels used to irrigate this fertile island.

Porto Santo, Porto Santo Island Day 6

Porto Santo has been dubbed ‘the golden island’ for its 9 km stretch of silky sands. Visit the 15th-century house of Christopher Columbus where he stayed en route to ‘discovering’ America. Ideal for pleasant strolls, the palm tree- and bougainvillea-lined streets of the island’s capital, Vila Baleira, are where many of the island’s great restaurants make the famous local dish of bolo do caco (bread baked on a piece of tile), bread made with yam served with garlic butter.

At Sea Day 7

You can spend your day at sea enjoying the many facilities available. Head to the sauna, get in a workout in the state-of-the-art gym or relax in the jacuzzi whilst taking in incredible views along the way. If you prefer to learn a little more about your surroundings, listen to an informative talk or have a chat with one of our knowledgeable on-board experts.

Lisbon Day 8

One of the oldest cities in the world, Lisbon’s technicoloured past is evident just about everywhere. The medina-like streets of Alfama still bear Moorish influences. Baroque architecture surrounds you in Baixa and scars of the Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755 can still be found throughout the city. It’s estimated that over 100,000 people died in what became one of history’s deadliest earthquakes. Today Lisbon is a delightful mix of colourful neighbourhoods, all brimming with history, culture and tradition. Baixa is where you’ll find the hustle and bustle, set below São Jorge Castle. Nearby Chiado is one of Lisbon’s trendiest neighbourhoods with its historic cafes and designer shops.

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Rates Include
Return regional flights to the port of embarkation and/or disembarkation (where specified)
Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
All meals onboard
Onboard accommodation in a stateroom selected category
24-hour room service
Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
One selected shore excursion/expedition activities per port of call (Kayak not included, bookable for a fee on board)
Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions
Standard WiFi
Onboard gratuities & port taxes
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Itinerary Map
Itinerary changes and surprising experiences are part of expedition cruise life. The world has a habit of amazing us with incredible things when we yield to the unexpected. Join us with an open mind and a sense of adventure and you’ll find that this can pay off in the most rewarding ways.

09:00 AM – 05:30 PM (EST)

+1 (800) 537 6777
ARRANGE A CALLBACK
Stateroom
Number of Guests
Oceanview D4
19 m2 Sleeps 2
Located on Deck 4 at the centre of the ship. Light, bright and crafted from natural materials Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Price From
$ 0
Oceanview M4
19 m2 Sleeps 2
Located on Deck 4 at the bow. Light, bright and crafted from natural materials Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Price From
$ 0
Balcony D5
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Balcony stateroom is a Swan Hellenic guest favorite. Located on Deck 5 at the bow and aft, staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom, living room, luxurious bathroom and your own 6 m2 balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Balcony M5
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Balcony stateroom is a Swan Hellenic guest favorite. Located on Deck 5 at the centre of the ship, staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom, living room, luxurious bathroom and your own 6 m2 balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Balcony D6
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Balcony stateroom is a Swan Hellenic guest favorite. Located on Deck 6, staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom, living room, luxurious bathroom and your own 6 m2 panoramic balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Suite
44 m2 Sleeps 2
Located on Deck 5 and 6 at the centre of the ship, our spacious Suites with a 12 sq.m. private balconies are a favorite with discerning guests, and those that prefer a little more space and comfort.
Price From
$ 0
Premium Suite
49 m2 Sleeps 2
Located on Deck 6 at the aft, our Premium Suites with a 12 sq.m. private balconies are the most luxurious accommodation on board. A favorite for those who want nothing but the best.
Price From
$ 0
Itinerary changes and surprising experiences are part of expedition cruise life. The world has a habit of amazing us with incredible things when we yield to the unexpected. Join us with an open mind and a sense of adventure and you’ll find that this can pay off in the most rewarding ways.

09:00 AM – 05:30 PM (EST)

+1 (800) 537 6777
ARRANGE A CALLBACK